Our X-Band Motion Sensor is an accessory for Blink or BlinkX that uses doppler detection to determine if motion has occurred by bouncing 10.5 GHz microwave signals off the objects in front of it.

Motion detection can be used for security camera applications, wildlife photography, and for recording events where a person or other object, such as a car or truck, moves past the camera from time to time.

The X-Band Motion Sensor does not work underwater.

Our X-Band Motion Sensor is an active device powered by BlinkX/Blink’s 3.5mm Port2 connection, which bounces 10.5Ghz microwave signals to determine if motion has occurred. Microwaves do not rely on heat so the moving object does not need to be warm to trigger the sensor. Microwaves will also pass through glass and plastic, so the X-Band sensor can be mounted behind a window or inside an opaque waterproof box for use outdoors. The range of the X-Band sensor is adjustable from 8 to 30 feet (2-10m). Actual distances will depend on the environment and mounting configurations.

Blink and BlinkX are designed to extend the GoPro camera's battery life by turning the camera off between triggers and allows for motion detection triggering to be set on a scheduled active time to ensure footage is only captured when needed. In power saving mode, since the camera needs to power on before starting the recording, there is approximately a 5 second delay between when the Motion Sensor is triggered and when the recording starts or the picture is taken. Where power is less of a concern Blink has a "fast capture" mode (currently in Beta for firmware v2.00) where the camera will continue to stay on during the active motion detection schedule to reduce the activation time to less than 1 second. The camera will remain off when no motion detection schedule is active.

settings_remoteMicrowave Capture Trigger

Microwaves do not rely on radiated heat from the object, it is well suited for detecting smaller wildlife as well as larger objects. It is also less prone to false triggers caused by moving sunlight, etc.

Microwaves will pass through glass and plastic, but not metals, so the X-Band detector can be mounted inside a window, or in a weatherproof box for use outdoors.

settings_applicationsProgramming Flexibility with Blink and BlinkX

Programmable "active shoot time" to avoid capturing extra footage

Capture single shot, multiple stills, or video.

Trigger the camera between capturing regular interval time lapse images.

battery_stdNo Additional Battery Required

The X-Band Motion Sensor is powered from Blink. It uses very little power and does not alter the battery life significantly.

Sensor Specifications:

Able to detect motion through walls and windows

Signal Frequency: 10.5 Ghz

Detection Range: adjustable from 8 to 30 feet (2-10m). Actual distances will depend on the environment and mounting configurations.

Mounts: Velcro tape, set of 1/8" (3.175mm) through holes spaced at 1.5" (38mm).

Cable Length: 6' (1.8m)

The X-Band Microwave Motion Sensor is an accessory that can be combined with Blink or BlinkX to trigger the GoPro camera when motion has occurred.

Camera

Compatibility ( Y / N )

HERO5 Black

✔

HERO5 Session

✔

HERO4 Black

✔

HERO4 Silver

✔

HERO4 Session

✘

HERO (2014)

✘

HERO3+ Black

✔

HERO3+ Silver

✔

HERO3 Black

✘

HERO3 Silver

✘

HERO3 White

✘

HERO2

✘

HERO

✘

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I require Blink or BlinkX to use the X-Band Motion Sensor?

Blink or BlinkX is required to use the X-Band Microwave Motion Sensor accessory to trigger the GoPro camera when motion is detected.

How does the Motion Detection video recording time work if motion is detected more than once in the interval?

If the video mode is selected in the Motion Detector interface of Blink/BlinkX, the camera will continue to record for the amount of time set in the Video recording menu once motion is no longer detected. If movement is detected before the recording time elapses, the recording interval will be reset to ensure you capture the entire motion event.

How does the X-Band detect motion?

The X-Band sensor uses doppler detection of microwaves bounced off the object and is triggered by motion towards or away from the sensor. Microwaves pass through opaque plastics and glass, but not metal. The moving object does not need to be warm to trigger the sensor.

Will the X-Band Sensor work underwater if contained in a waterproof housing?

No. The X-Band Sensor only works in air and will not work underwater.

Can I use more than one sensor with Blink or BlinkX simultaneously?

No. Blink and BlinkX detect pulse frequency from the X-Band Sensor, so only one sensor can be used at a time.

Does the controller board fit inside the standard waterproof case?

BlinkX does not fit into any of the standard GoPro housings. Blink fits in the extended BacPac backdoor attachments included in the GoPro Backdoor Kit and provided with the GoPro accessories such as the GoPro Dive Housing, GoPro LCD BacPac or the GoPro Battery BacPac. However, since the Motion Sensor plugs into the 3.5mm port on the bottom of Blink, a small hole needs to be drilled into the housing to allow the sensor’s wires to pass through the housing. X-Band detectors are normally used with our outdoor SolarX and DryX enclosures.

CamDo offers a series of Outdoor Weather Resistant Enclosures designed to house the GoPro camera, Blink, and Motion Sensor along with space for a high capacity battery and optional solar panel for longer term deployment. The X-Band detector fits inside the weather resistant case and does not require any hole in the case for installation of the X-Band Sensor.

Can a Blink or BlinkX motion detection schedule and time lapse schedules overlap?

Yes, the motion detection can be set on a schedule that overlaps with a time lapse schedule. If the camera enters a time lapse interval while camera is currently recording in motion detection mode, the time lapse image will be skipped. If the camera is currently taking a time lapse image when motion is detected, Blink will re-trigger the camera on the motion detection schedule after the camera has taken the time lapse photo and turned off.

I am a hacker. Can I use the ports on the Blink or BlinkX board to trigger the camera using other devices?

The motion detection Port2 of Blink and BlinkX can be programmed to accept an external input to trigger an action. Unlike the X-Band operation which requires a set amount of pulses within a certain timeframe, PIR/External mode only requires a pulse for more than 250ms to trigger the camera. See this blog post for more details.

I am a not a hacker. I have an idea for a project for our organization. Can you help?

Yes. Our controller boards were originally designed to handle custom projects we built for scientists and professional photographers. Our controllers are very flexible and can be reprogrammed to respond to different kinds of control inputs. Some controllers also have an output which can be used to control lighting, or give different types of feedback. Contact us for a quote for your application.

SolarX is designed for long term operation of GoPro cameras off the grid for time lapse photography and wildlife photography or security.

The SolarX-18W upgrade, adds an extra 9W solar panel to give you a total of 18W of power (2 x 9W panels). It comes with all necessary attachments (ball arm, socket) and wiring to get up and running in no time with your existing SolarX.

The SolarX outdoor enclosure is fitted with a sturdy aluminum mounting bracket that contains multiple ¼"-20 threaded holes on the top, back, and bottom for use with standard tripod screws. The SolarX-18W upgrade is simply attached to the bracket using the included ball mount and associated arm.

The solar panel is removable and attached to the top of the enclosure using the included dual ball socket arm so it can be positioned for optimum sun exposure.

The 2 x 9W solar panels charge the V44 battery (included in your SolarX) simultaneously so if one panel gets dirty or covered by shadow, the second panel will continue to work hard for your project.

Will the solar panel be able to keep my time lapse running indefinitely?

This would depend on the shooting cycle used and the sun exposure available in your location. We advise all customers to calculate their battery needs due to the many variables. We have a Time Lapse Calculator that can be used to help determine your ideal shooting interval and how long your battery should theoretically last using our controller boards and batteries. The Calculator also gives the rate at which the solar panel should be able to recharge your battery at your given location and with the panel angle that is used. Keep in mind that temperature, battery fatigue, and other electrical inefficiencies will prevent the camera from using the full battery capacity.

How long will the battery last before it is discharged?

It depends on many factors including your latitude, the amount of sun and cloud during your shoot, the controller you are using, the camera you are using and the shooting schedule you have programmed. There are too many variables to give a perfect answer but we have created a Time Lapse Calculator to work out the best setup for your shoot in your location.

The CamDo Blink or BlinkX controller boards are typically used with our Solar Enclosures to provide programming flexibility while significantly reducing power consumption. Information on these controllers can be found on the following pages:

Swivel Mount Kit for Outdoor and Solar Enclosures

The marine grade aluminum swivel mount kit consists of a 6" long straight swing arm on a vertical mounting base for attachment to a flat or rounded surface such as a wall or post. The opposing end is a ball socket used with the 1.5" ball mount plate that can be attached to our SolarX or DryX outdoor enclosure for ultimate aiming flexibility.

The swing arm pivot allows for full 360-degree rotation and the ball and socket system allows a 360-degree rotation with a 180-degree pivot.

There is an insert on the vertical mounting plate to allow solid mounting to a flat surface like a building or a rounded surface such as a pole or rail.

Set of hex nuts that are used as optional replacement for the hand cranked knobs. Once aiming is complete, when using the hex nuts, the use of a tool to loosen is required; this improves security and reduces the chances of tampering

15 Wh Battery

This 15 Watt-Hour Lithium Polymer battery outputs 5 volts at up to 1A to power a GoPro camera or other accessories. The USB Battery Pack has a selectable Always On operating mode that is required for long-term deployment using our Blink controller.

Under normal circumstances, the standard GoPro battery will last for one to two hours of shooting. The CamDo Blink controller can be programmed to turn the camera off between shots to only have the camera powered on when the footage is needed. However, while Blink can extend the length of time the camera can be deployed on a single battery, the total amount of time the camera can remain powered on is still the same. The V15 battery increases the GoPro battery life by approximately 4x and has the Always On operating mode required for use with our Blink controller.

There are a lot of battery packs available, however, don't be fooled by cheaper alternatives. Most of the USB battery packs on the market have an automatic power saving feature which turns off the battery if it is not continuously supplying power. Often, this feature is not even mentioned in the battery description, and only discovered when you find the camera's internal battery is dead, even though the high powered battery pack is still fully charged.

Calculating battery life is non-trivial. It depends on the camera model, firmware version, SD card speed, lighting conditions, battery size, age of the battery, ambient temperature, and more. To help you understand the issues and to calculate estimated battery life, consult the Camera Power Consumption Study and our Time Lapse Calculator.

An analysis of the power consumption of the various GoPro cameras and an explanation of how to calculate the theoretical battery life is outlined on the GoPro Power Consumption page. Our Time Lapse Calculator page can be used to assist you in planning the interval times of your time lapse project.

It is easiest to determine the operating mode when the battery is disconnected and neither charging or supplying power to a device. When in Always On mode, if you double tap the power button a few times, the LED should continue to stay lit. If the LED goes dark between every other double press, you are not in Always On mode.

How can I change the operating mode?

To switch modes, hold down the power button for six seconds.

If the charge indicator flashes 3 times and stays lit for a second or two, you are now in Always On mode.

If the charge indicator flashes 3 times and then goes dark, you are now in Auto Off mode.

If you are not in the desired mode. Press the button again for 6 seconds to change modes.